Estimation of Immunoglobulins in Iraqi SARS-CoV-2-Infected Mothers and Their Infants

Abstract

Objectives: The study aimed to estimate the levels of specific
immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, and IgA) in mothers and their infants
affected by COVID-19 and to examine the impact of vaccination on
antibody levels.
Method: It was a case-control study conducted among Iraqi pregnant
women who gave birth at Saint Raphael Hospital in Baghdad. A total of
148 Iraqi pregnant women were included, with 122 females previously
infected with SARS-CoV-2 (group 1) and 26 healthy controls (group 2).
Blood samples were collected from mothers before birth and from
newborns after birth. The diagnosis of COVID-19 in patients was based
on clinical characteristics and PCR results. IgG, IgM, and IgA were
detected using the ELISA technique. Real-time PCR was used to detect
SARS-CoV-2 RNA in nasopharyngeal swabs.
Results: IgG was detected in both mothers and their infants, while
IgA was detected in mothers only. IgM was not detected in either
mothers or infants. The study also examined the impact of vaccination
on antibody levels.
Conclusions: The study concludes that IgG and IgA were identified only
in mothers, with IgM being undetectable in both mothers and their
infants. The most robust immune responses were observed in mothers
who had received the AstraZeneca vaccine.

How to cite this article:
Sayah S N, Al-azzawi R H. Estimation of
Immunoglobulins in Iraqi SARS-CoV-2-Infected
Mothers and Their Infants. J Commun Dis.
2024;56(4):132-138.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202483